There's nothing better than sipping a cool pint after a day spent on the beach and exploring somewhere new. Or, enjoying a crisp glass of wine in a bar abroad, sat underneath a parasol with the sun beating down. In January 2025, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the average price of a medium glass of wine was £5.17 in the UK, while a pint of lager was £4.83. However, with prices having dramatically jumped since, especially following an alcohol duty increase of 3.66% that took effect in February 2026, it can be refreshing to find bargain booze overseas. Read on below to discover the countries that guarantee a pint in the sun for around £3 or a bottle of wine for as little as £6.
Czech Republic
Holidaymakers looking for cheap and good beer should head to the Czech Republic where they can find a pint at around £2.10. Known for its impressive beer culture, the Czech Republic offers some of Europe's cheapest beer at around £2.10 per pint. Millions flock to the landlocked country, located between Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Poland, to sample some of the local booze. And wine drinkers will be pleased too, as a glass in the capital city, Prague, usually comes in at around €3 to €5 (£2.59 to £4.31), according to Alle.
Malta
Malta is another good spot and visitors can grab a beer within Valletta's fortress walls for around €4.29 (£3.73). Another European destination, Malta boasts a rich history to explore and plenty of sights to enjoy. The small island country is home to neolithic temples, an impressive coastline - and cheap booze. The capital, Valletta, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site - and was named the best city in the world in Condé Nast Traveller's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards. The location boasts ornate Baroque architecture and visitors can grab a beer within Valletta's fortress walls for around €4.29 (£3.73), according to cost of living website Numbeo. As for wine, it's possible to find a bottle for around €7 from supermarket, working out at just £6.
Spain
The cost of a glass of wine in Spain can vary between £2.10 to £3.80. There are plenty of Spanish spots that promise sunshine, great views and affordable drinks. Costa Blanca, for example, offers a pint of the local beer for €3 (£2.60), while La Palma has pints for just €1.50 (£1.30). One of the smaller Canary islands, La Palma is around 708 square kilometers in size and is known for being green and vibrant, often called 'la isla bonita' - 'the beautiful island'. Despite being small, there are plenty of lush spaces to explore here - and it's even been dubbed the 'Costa Rica of Spain'. Much like Costa Rica, there are world-class walking treks and one, the Caldera Taburiente hike, takes walkers through the vast Caldera de Taburiente National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, covered in Canarian pine woods and ravines - and home to a range of fauna, birds and reptiles. Elsewhere in Spain, Castelló de la Plana also offers pints for as little as €3 (£2.60). The charming city has a rich history and dates back to Medieval times, with architecture ranging from aristocratic houses to peaceful gardens. As for wine, the cost of a glass in Spain can vary between £2.10 to £3.80, according to travel company Holiday Pirates. Meanwhile, prices in the Balearic Islands range from £2.50 to £4.50.
Italy
The cost of wine in Italy ranges between €2.90 and €4.30 (£2.50 and £5), while a pint of local lager costs €5.42 (£4.68). Located on the 'toe' of Italy's boot in the country's southern region is Calabria. Calabria is known for being the home of 'Nduja' – the spicy sausage that has been rising in popularity in the UK in recent years. It's also a great place for affordable beer and wine. Sat surrounded by coastal views and charming streets, a glass of wine will set you back €2 (£1.74). Or, if beer is more your kind of beverage, a pint of local lager costs €5.42 (£4.68). Across Italy however, the price of wine ranges between €2.90 and €4.30 (£2.50 and £5).
Slovakia
A bottle of wine from a local supermarket comes in at €5.20 (£4.49) in Slovakia. Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, is compact with a bustling old town packed with cobbled streets and picturesque buildings. And there's nothing better than enjoying a refreshing pint of local lager after a long day of exploring. Thankfully, the Slovak Pub is one of the oldest and largest venues in the city and serves up beer for just €3 (£2.60). Spread across 11 rooms over two floors, each one is dedicated to a different part of Slovakian history. A bottle of wine from a local supermarket comes in at €5.20 (£4.49).
Portugal
In Portugal's Guimarães, a bottle of beer can be found for just €2 (£1.70), and a pint for €2.50 (£2.20). Portugal is a beloved holiday spot for Brits and has plenty of popular destinations where tourists frequent each year. The price of local beer can be as little as €2.50 (£2.15), while a bottle of wine from a local supermarket comes in at €5.20 (£4.49). In one city in the north, Guimarães, a bottle of beer can be found for just €2 (£1.70), and a pint for €2.50 (£2.20). The colourful destination also recently made the BBC's '20 best places to travel in 2026' list, giving even more reason to holiday there.
Hungary
A pint in Hungary's capital city, Budapest, costs 1,200 Ft (£2.86). With its impressive architecture, renowned thermal baths and affordability, plenty of tourists flock to Budapest every year. In Hungary, the price of a glass of wine varies from 712 Ft to 1,424 Ft (£1.70 to £3.40), while beer in can cost 800 Ft (£1.91). Budapest, Hungary's capital, is slightly pricier, but still affordable, at 1,200 Ft (£2.86) for a pint of local lager.
Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, a glass of wine could set you back between €2.30 and €4.40 (£2 and £3.80). Plenty head to Bulgaria for its charming streets, cobblestone roads and local cuisine. The country has seen a significant tourism boom in recent years, with over 13.6 million foreign visitors in 2025 - a 2.7 per cent increase on 2024. Beer there costs just €2.07 (£1.79) while a glass of wine could set you back between €2.30 and €4.40 (£2.00 and £3.80).
Poland
Local beer can be found for 15zł (£3) in Poland, while wine costs between 8.30zł and 16.60zł (£1.70 and £3.40). Poland is well-loved for its affordable drinks, paired with impressive architecture and an interesting history to explore. Local beer can be found for 15zł (£3) and wine costs between 8.30zł and 16.60zł (£1.70 and £3.40). Park Grodek, located in the Polish city, Jaworzno, known as the 'Maldives of Poland', offers pints for just 9.80zł (£2), according to Travel And Tour World. Its 60 hectares boast rich greenery, beautiful views and crystal clear water across four reservoirs.
Greece
Wine tends to vary between €2.90 and €4.30 (£2.50 and £5) while a pint of local beer costs €4.90 (£4.20) in Greece. Dreamy islands, stunning beaches and blue skies, Greece has plenty to enjoy, and a glass of wine or pint of beer there shouldn't set you back too much either. Wine tends to vary between €2.90 and €4.30 (£2.50 and £5) while a pint of local beer costs €4.90 (£4.20). Bursting with unspoilt landscapes, beautiful hotels and postcard perfect beaches, Kefalonia is not one to miss and has even been compared to the Caribbean. Beer there is reported to cost €4.25 (£3.70).
